Aberdeen Proving Ground is the Army's primary research, testing, and evaluation facility for weapons systems, vehicles, and munitions. The base's extensive industrial research and testing infrastructure — built largely during WWI and WWII — contained significant quantities of asbestos insulation, and workers in test ranges, vehicle maintenance shops, and chemical research laboratories faced prolonged exposure.
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Asbestos History at Aberdeen Proving Ground
Aberdeen Proving Ground is the Army's primary research, testing, and evaluation facility for weapons systems, vehicles, and munitions. The base's extensive industrial research and testing infrastructure — built largely during WWI and WWII — contained significant quantities of asbestos insulation, and workers in test ranges, vehicle maintenance shops, and chemical research laboratories faced prolonged exposure.
Key Facts
Aberdeen Proving Ground was established in 1917 and is one of the Army's oldest and most important research and testing installations.
The proving ground is home to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the Army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School.
During both World Wars, Aberdeen employed tens of thousands of workers in weapons and munitions testing, production, and evaluation.
Aberdeen's Edgewood Area was a primary site for chemical weapons research and production from WWI through the 1960s, with extensive asbestos use in its industrial buildings.
The EPA and Army have conducted long-term environmental cleanup at Aberdeen, addressing asbestos alongside chemical contamination.
Where Asbestos Was Found at Aberdeen Proving Ground
Asbestos was integrated into the infrastructure of virtually every military installation built before 1980. At Aberdeen Proving Ground, documented asbestos-containing materials were found in:
Weapons and vehicle testing facilities
Armament research and development laboratories
Chemical research buildings
Boiler plants and steam systems
Vehicle maintenance and testing garages
Pipe insulation throughout test range infrastructure
Ordnance manufacturing and testing buildings
Workers and service members in these areas faced chronic low-level exposure over the course of months or years. Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, many veterans who served decades ago are only receiving diagnoses today.
Affected Occupations at Aberdeen Proving Ground
Certain occupational roles at Aberdeen Proving Ground carried significantly higher asbestos exposure risk due to direct contact with insulation, gaskets, pipe systems, and other asbestos-containing materials:
👷Weapons test engineers and technicians
👷Vehicle mechanics
👷Chemical laboratory workers
👷Pipefitters
👷Boilermakers
👷Maintenance workers
👷Construction workers
Even workers who did not directly handle asbestos — such as supervisors, inspectors, or administrative personnel who spent time in affected areas — may have experienced bystander exposure sufficient to cause mesothelioma decades later.
Asbestos Trust Funds for Aberdeen Proving Ground Veterans
The companies that manufactured and supplied asbestos-containing materials used at Aberdeen Proving Ground have established bankruptcy trust funds totaling over $30 billion to compensate victims. Veterans and workers exposed at this installation may be eligible to file claims against multiple trusts:
Johns-Manville
Owens Corning
W.R. Grace
Armstrong World Industries
Pittsburgh Corning
Trust fund claims are separate from VA benefits — you can pursue both simultaneously. Most trust fund claims are resolved within 12 to 18 months. Our attorneys handle the entire process with no upfront cost.
VA Benefits for Aberdeen Proving Ground Veterans
Army veterans stationed at this installation were exposed to asbestos in barracks construction, vehicle maintenance shops, ordnance handling facilities, and base infrastructure.
VA Disability & Healthcare Benefits
100% VA Disability Rating — Mesothelioma automatically qualifies for the maximum VA disability rating, providing monthly compensation of $3,737+ for a single veteran (2026 rates).
VA Healthcare — Full access to VA oncology centers, including specialized mesothelioma care at VA cancer centers.
Aid & Attendance — Additional monthly compensation for veterans who need help with daily activities due to illness.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — Monthly payments to surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who died from service-connected asbestos diseases.
Vocational Rehabilitation — Job training and career services for veterans whose condition affects their ability to work.
Your Legal Rights as a Aberdeen Proving Ground Veteran
Veterans with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer have the right to file civil lawsuits against the manufacturers of asbestos products used at their base — separate from and in addition to VA claims. These lawsuits are filed against the asbestos companies, not the military, and do not affect your VA benefits.
Statute of Limitations — Act Before Your Deadline
Every state imposes a filing deadline — called the statute of limitations — for mesothelioma claims. In most states, you have 2 to 3 years from the date of diagnosis to file. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to compensation.
Our attorneys have worked with veterans from Aberdeen Proving Ground and dozens of other military installations. We understand the unique exposure history, documentation requirements, and combination of VA + civil litigation strategies that maximize compensation for veterans and their families. No fees unless we win.
Free Case Review for Aberdeen Proving Ground Veterans
If you or a family member served at Aberdeen Proving Ground and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, contact us today. Our attorneys are available 24/7 and will review your case at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was there asbestos at Aberdeen Proving Ground?
Yes. Aberdeen Proving Ground (Aberdeen, Maryland) has documented asbestos exposure from 1917–present. Asbestos was used in Weapons and vehicle testing facilities, Armament research and development laboratories, Chemical research buildings, and other areas throughout the installation. Asbestos-related diseases linked to this base include mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Can Army veterans from Aberdeen Proving Ground get compensation?
Yes. Veterans who served at Aberdeen Proving Ground and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer may qualify for compensation from asbestos trust funds including Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, W.R. Grace. Personal injury lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers are also available. Our firm works on contingency — no fees unless we win.
What VA benefits are available for Aberdeen Proving Ground veterans?
Veterans who served at Aberdeen Proving Ground and developed asbestos-related diseases may qualify for VA disability compensation at up to 100% disability rating, VA healthcare including specialized oncology treatment, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for severe disability, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving family members.
Can family members of Aberdeen Proving Ground workers file claims?
Yes. Family members who were exposed to asbestos brought home on work clothing (called secondary or take-home exposure) and later developed mesothelioma may file their own compensation claims. Spouses who washed work uniforms and children who were regularly near an exposed worker face documented secondary exposure risk. Courts in all 50 states recognize these claims.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Danziger & De Llano, LLP. Every case is unique; outcomes depend on individual facts and circumstances. Statute of limitations deadlines vary by state. Contact an attorney to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
